Hospice Care Week 2023
Taking place from October 9 to 15, Hospice Care Week is our chance to shine a light on the incredible work hospices do
Led by the national charity Hospice UK, Hospice Care Week is about highlighting the compassionate end-of-life care and support that hospices provide.
Hospice Care Week 2023 will focus on workforce, under the theme: ‘We are hospice care’.
During this week, we want to showcase some of the people and roles at St Nic’s and maybe even encourage people to join us.
We’ll be shouting about our teams who provide compassionate care and support. It takes the whole community to provide hospice care – from volunteering in our charity shops to taking on daring challenges, every person who does something for St Nicholas Hospice Care is making a difference.
40 Faces of St Nic's
During 2023 and into 2024, we are celebrating 40 years of St Nicholas Hospice Care. We are remembering those we have cared for, giving thanks to those who have shaped us, and looking forward to the future.
To mark four decades of caring, we’re introducing you to some of the amazing people who have helped make it possible with our 40 Faces of St Nic’s.
Our journey has been shaped by so many compassionate people who have helped build our legacy along the way.
Every person who has worked, volunteered for us or supported the Hospice through fundraising has made a huge difference. It is only because of them that we can do the things we do.
Visit our 40 Faces of St Nic's pages
Our people and the wonderful things they contribute to Hospice care
Our Nursing Team
Our Hospice Nurses work collaboratively with a dedicated multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualised care plans that prioritise patients’ quality of life.
They focus on palliative care and long-term conditions, you’ll have the opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of those we serve.
Watch the videos below to hear some of their experiences and why they do the job they do.
A word from Chelsey
A word from Frances
A word from Natasha
Our amazing volunteers
With out the support of our hundreds of volunteers, St Nic’s would not be able to do the things it does.
Our volunteers support every aspect of our services, and we are grateful to them all for all they do.
Below are just a few examples.
Volunteer view
Jayne Gurney has volunteered at our Barton Road shop for about the last six years.
“I started because I was having a bit of a rough time in my paid job, and my GP suggested that I do something that I enjoy, and as I love coming in here as a shopper, I thought I might as well transfer and volunteer here, and it is one of the best things I have ever done.
“I really love coming in, and I love looking around at all the bargains.
“I enjoy being with all of the other volunteers, and I enjoy it so much, and I am so enthusiastic about it that I have actually managed to persuade both of my daughters to come and volunteer.
“They have both been volunteering for about three or four years, and they come in when they come home from university.
“They like to come in, and they maybe buy different sorts of clothes than maybe I would buy, but it is great because obviously it is really ethical, and for them, they really feel like they are getting a bargain, and they are doing the right thing for the environment by buying recycled items.”
Volunteer view
Having previously volunteered at another shop Volunteer Supervisor Ruth Green moved to the Barton Road shop a few years ago, and has been enjoying it ever since.
Ruth explains: “To be honest, I volunteer because I just love it. I love getting to meet lots of different people, all of the other volunteers here are great and we have some really loyal customers here and you really do get to know them.
“It really is a great place to volunteer, everyone is friendly. It is also great to be doing something that you know is supporting the Hospice which is so important. Honestly there is no better feeling than putting something out on display in the window and then it’s sold within 30 minutes. It’s a great feeling and you really feel like you are helping.
“I first became involved with the Hospice when they supported my late partner. They were there for him, and I started volunteering as a way to give something back for everything they had done.
“We are a really good team at Barton Road, just lots of nice people and we all get to play to our strengths. It really is a great shop and it’s a great team to be part of and there is lots of support for us too.”
Volunteer view
For the last several years, Trevor Byford has been volunteering for St Nicholas Hospice Care as a Hospice Neighbour.
Before her death in September 2022, Trevor gave his time to support Pam. As well as practical help, Trevor is also provided companionship and friendship to Pam.
At the time, Trevor reflected: “We get on together quite well now. We phone each other up and have a laugh. We have a good time, and she’s very pleased with the garden when the flowers come out.
“I come up once a week to help Pam in the garden, and I phone her up once a week too. I speak to her, and I speak to her carers to see how things are going on.”
Hospice Neighbours relies on its team of volunteers to make a real difference to people across the community. The role is a varied one, you can offer practical support, be a listening ear, and you can also provide much-needed support for family and carers. Your volunteer hours can give them back some time for them.
“If you’re thinking of volunteering, I’d say go for it. You’ve got nothing to lose,” says Trevor, and in return, you get the satisfaction that you’re helping someone, “It does them good, and it does me good,” adds Trevor.